Tailgate for vehicle

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are disclosed for providing a tailgate for a truck that rests at an intermediate level between the ground and the truck bed when the tailgate is disposed in an open/primarily-horizontal position. The inventive tailgate may be hinged below and forward of the rear edge of the bed level such that when opened, it rests at a level below the deck. The tailgate may be hinged with bearings that are constructed to and positioned to reduce the amount of hinge clogging. The inventive tailgate may include a pop-up mini-gate that raises to substantially the same level as the bed for use with transportation of oversized objects. The inventive tailgate may include a foldable or rotatable support structure that may be used to support items that extend beyond the end of the horizontal tailgate. The inventive tailgate may be sealed around three sides of the cargo box to prevent loss of particulate or granular cargo.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser.No. 63/132,847, filed Dec. 31, 2020, the entirety of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Many types of trucks have been built with beds for storage andtransportation of materials over the years. Such trucks often have agate at the rear end of the bed that is commonly referred to as atailgate. In such trucks, it is common to attach the tailgate usinghinges along the bottom edge of the tailgate or at the lower left andright corners of the tailgate. Such hinges permit the tailgate to rotatebetween a first, vertical position in which the tailgate issubstantially perpendicular to the floor of the bed and in which thetailgate may be used to secure items in the bed and a second, horizontalposition in which the tailgate is substantially parallel to the floor ofthe bed and in which items in the bed are more accessible.

The hinges of such tailgates may be inundated with particles when thebed of the truck is used to transport particulate matter such as soil,mulch, fertilizer, sand, grain, or other similar items. In someinstances, when a truck travels on a dusty road, the road dust alone mayinundate the hinges of the tailgate. When inundated with such particles,the hinges may jam or may become difficult to operate.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a tailgate in which thehinges are constructed and/or positioned in a manner that will reducethe amount of particulate matter that inundates the hinges of thetailgate.

The hinges of common tailgates also restrict the movement of thetailgate such that when the tailgate is in the second, horizontalposition, the height of the top side of the tailgate is substantiallysimilar to the height of the truck bed. For many pickup trucks, thisheight may be between about 26 inches and 36 inches above ground level.Other trucks may have a bed height that is greater than 36 inches. Thesebed heights are not conducive to climbing into and out of the truck bedto access items stored in the bed. For example, if it is necessary toclimb into a truck bed to shovel soil from the bed onto the ground, itwill be difficult for most people to step from ground level onto a 36inch tall bed.

For these reasons, various devices to assist with stepping onto a truckbed have been utilized. In some instances, the corners of the truckbumper are provided with stepping surfaces either on top of the bumperor cut into the bumper. In other instances, fold-down steps are providedfrom the horizontal tailgate.

In yet other instances, complex hinge mechanisms are provided, such asthose illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,966,597; 7,073,837; and U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2007/007,556. However, such devicesintroduce additional moving parts and complexity that is less desirablefor many owners.

For these reasons, it would be desirable to have a tailgate that can beopened to a position suitable for serving as a step between ground leveland bed level. It would also be desirable to realize such a tailgatewithout the need for complex hinges.

For these reasons, it would also be desirable to have a tailgate thatallows for transfer of particulate matter out of the bed without unduespillage or jamming of hinges.

For the avoidance of doubt, the above-described contextual backgroundshall not be considered limiting on any of the below-describedembodiments, as described in more detail below.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of the specification inorder to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of thespecification. This summary is not an extensive overview of thespecification. It is intended to neither identify key or criticalelements of the specification nor delineate the scope of any particularembodiments of the specification, or any scope of the claims. Its solepurpose is to present some concepts of the specification in a simplifiedform as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented inthis disclosure.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention may provide systems,structures, and methods of providing a way to step on a tailgate betweenground level and bed level. Such tailgates may be deployed on trucks,trailers, or other suitable vehicles. For purposes of simplicity indiscussion, the disclosure herein will reference trucks, but can beapplied to trailers and other suitable vehicles.

Embodiments of the invention may provide systems, structures, andmethods related to such a tailgate without unduly complex hingestructures.

Embodiments of the invention may provide systems, structures, andmethods related to a tailgate that allows for transfer of small andparticulate matter from a truck bed without undue spillage.

Embodiments of the invention may provide systems, structures, andmethods related to a tailgate that allows for transfer of small andparticulate matter from a truck bed without undue jamming of hinges.

Embodiments of the invention may provide systems, structures, andmethods related to a tailgate having an embedded support rack that mayhave guard grooves to align cargos and/or tie-down anchors for securingloads.

Embodiments of the invention may provide systems, structures, andmethods related to a tailgate having an embedded mini-gate that issubstantially flush with the bed of the truck when deployed, such thatoversized loads may be supported by the mini-gate when the tailgate isdeployed in a substantially horizontal position and the mini-gate israised above the tailgate.

One preferred embodiment may provide a tail gate for use with a vehiclehaving a bed, a front end, and a rear end, comprising an assembly thatmay be rotated about a substantially horizontal axis from asubstantially vertical first position to a substantially horizontalsecond position, the assembly comprising a gate portion having a surfacesubstantially disposed along a first plane when the assembly is in thefirst position, wherein the first plane is substantially perpendicularto a first axis, the first axis extending parallel to the bed and from afront center of the vehicle to a rear center of the vehicle; a sealportion attached to the gate portion in proximity to a bottom edge ofthe gate portion, the seal portion substantially disposed along a secondplane parallel to the bed of the vehicle and perpendicular to the firstplane when the seal portion is in the first position, the seal portionhaving a long dimension that is approximately the same as the width ofthe bed; wherein the seal portion is disposed below a height of the bedand a top edge of the seal portion is arranged in close proximity to thebottom of the bed when the assembly is in the first position; a firstpivot structure and a second pivot structure, the first pivot structurelocated near a first end of the gate portion and mechanically connectedto a first end of the gate portion, the second pivot structure locatednear a second end of the gate portion and mechanically connected to thesecond end of the gate portion, the first end located opposite thesecond end; the first pivot structure and the second pivot structurepositioned to allow rotation of the assembly about the substantiallyhorizontal axis, the substantially horizontal axis located below the bedand between the first plane and the front end; wherein, when theassembly is in the first position, the gate portion substantially closesthe rear end of the bed; and wherein, when the assembly is in the secondposition, the surface of gate portion is substantially parallel to thebed and below a top level of the bed, and the seal portion issubstantially perpendicular to the bed.

This embodiment may further include a support rack embedded within thesurface of the gate portion, the support rack pivotally attached to thegate portion, such that when the assembly is in the second position, thesupport rack may be pivoted from within the surface of the gate portionto an upright position, to provide a support for items laid in the bedand extending beyond the edge of the bed. The embodiment may furtherinclude a pop-up mini gate embedded within the surface of the gateportion and extendable in a direction substantially perpendicular to thesurface so as to be arranged at a height that is substantially alignedwith the top level of the bed when the assembly is in the secondposition and the mini gate is extended. The embodiment may furtherinclude a support rack embedded within the surface of the gate portion,the support rack pivotally attached to the gate portion, such that whenthe assembly is in the second position, the support rack may be pivotedfrom within the surface of the gate portion to an upright position; thesupport rack arranged about the perimeter of the mini gate when both arepositioned within the surface of the gate portion.

The embodiment may further be constructed such that the first pivotstructure and the second pivot structure are not substantially exposedto solid materials when such materials are in the bed. The embodimentmay further include a seal to close gaps between the assembly and thebed to reduce spillage of particulate materials when such materials arein the bed. The embodiment may be included in a vehicle where thevehicle comprises a wheel well for a rear wheel, and a side wallextending upward from the surface of the bed, the side wall arrangedsubstantially perpendicular to the surface of the bed and substantiallyperpendicular to the first plane, the side wall arranged in proximity tothe wheel well; and the first pivot structure is disposed within acompartment between the sidewall and the wheel well; the first pivotstructure comprising a thrust bearing. The embodiment may further beconstructed so that when the assembly is in the first position, thecompartment is substantially closed; and when the assembly is in thesecond position, the compartment may be accessed for cleaning orlubrication.

The embodiment may further be constructed such that the vehicle has aremovable, centered, high ball trailer hitch; and the high ball trailerhitch is positioned to support a bottom surface of the gate portion whenthe assembly is in the second position. The embodiment may furtherinclude a tongue and groove alignment structure disposed at an edge ofthe gate portion, the alignment structure configured to contact a frameof the vehicle below the bed, the alignment structure for reducinglateral deformation of the gate portion when the assembly is in thesecond position.

Another preferred embodiment may be described as a pivoting device foruse in a vehicle comprising a bed with a top surface arrangedsubstantially perpendicular to a first axis, the first axis extending inthe direction of gravity, the bed having a substantially horizontalfirst bed edge located at the rear of a vehicle, the first bed edgebeing substantially linear, the pivoting device comprising: a gatehaving a first substantially rectangular outline and a gate widthapproximately equal to the length of the first bed edge, the gate havinga lower gate edge extending substantially parallel to the first bededge, the lower gate edge approximately the same length of the first bededge; a seal portion having a second substantially rectangular outline,the seal portion having a first seal edge, the first seal edgeapproximately the same length as the lower gate edge, the first sealedge attached along its length to the lower gate edge such that the endsof the first seal edge are in close proximity to the respective ends ofthe lower gate edge, the second substantially rectangular outlinedisposed substantially perpendicular to the first substantiallyrectangular outline; first and second pivoting structures arranged topivot about a single pivot axis substantially parallel to the first bededge, the lower gate edge, and the first seal edge, the first and secondpivoting structures mechanically attached to the gate; the pivot axisdisposed lower than the top surface of the bed and forward of the firstbed edge with respect to a primary direction of travel of the vehicle,such that the gate and seal portion may be rotated about the pivot axisbetween (a) a first position in which the first substantiallyrectangular outline is substantially perpendicular to the top surfaceand substantially parallel to the first axis, and (b) a second positionin which the first substantially rectangular outline is substantiallyparallel to the top surface of the bed; and wherein, when disposed inthe second position, a top surface of the gate is lower than the topsurface of the bed, such that the top surface of the gate may be used asan intermediate step between a surface on which the vehicle is disposedand the top surface of the bed.

The embodiment may be constructed such that when disposed in the secondposition, the lower gate edge is (a) below the first bed edge and (b)forward or aft of the first bed edge with respect to the primarydirection of travel of the vehicle. The embodiment may also include asupport rack embedded within the top surface of the gate, the supportrack pivotally attached to the gate, such that when the gate is in thesecond position, the support rack may be pivoted from within the topsurface of the gate to an upright position, to provide a support foritems laid in the bed and extending beyond the edge of the bed.

The embodiment may include a pop-up mini gate embedded within the topsurface of the gate and extendable in a direction substantiallyperpendicular to the top surface of the gate so as to be arranged at aheight that is substantially aligned with the top surface of the bedwhen the gate is in the second position and the mini gate is extended.The embodiment may also include a support rack embedded within the topsurface of the gate, the support rack pivotally attached to the gate,such that when the gate is in the second position, the support rack maybe pivoted from within the top surface of the gate to an uprightposition; the support rack arranged about the perimeter of the mini gatewhen both are positioned within the surface of the gate position.

The embodiment may be constructed so that the first pivoting structureand the second pivoting structure are not substantially exposed to solidmaterials when such materials are in the bed. The embodiment may includea seal to close gaps between the gate and the bed to reduce spillage ofparticulate materials when such materials are in the bed.

The embodiment may be incorporated into a vehicle that comprises a wheelwell for a rear wheel, and a side wall extending upward from the topsurface of the bed, the side wall arranged substantially perpendicularto the top surface of the bed and substantially perpendicular to thegate, the side wall arranged in proximity to the wheel well; and thefirst pivoting structure is disposed within a compartment between thesidewall and the wheel well; the first pivoting structure comprises athrust bearing.

The embodiment may be constructed such that when the gate is in thefirst position, the compartment is substantially closed; and when thegate is in the second position, the compartment may be accessed forcleaning or lubrication.

The embodiment may be incorporated into a vehicle that has a removable,centered, high ball trailer hitch; and the high ball trailer hitch ispositioned to support a bottom surface of the gate when the gate is inthe second position.

Various embodiments of the present invention may incorporate one or moreof these and the other features described herein. A better understandingof the nature and advantages of the present invention may be gained byreference to the following detailed description and the accompanyingdrawings.

The following description and the drawings set forth certainillustrative aspects of the specification. These aspects are indicative,however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of thespecification may be employed. Other advantages and novel features ofthe specification will become apparent from the following detaileddescription of the specification when considered in conjunction with thedrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a truck employing a prior art tailgate in an uprightposition;

FIG. 2 illustrates a truck employing a prior art tailgate in ahorizontal position;

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a side view of a truck employing aprior art tailgate in an upright position;

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of a side view of a truck employing aprior art tailgate in an horizontal position;

FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of a side view of a truck employing aprior art tailgate in a horizontal position;

FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of a side view of a truck employing aprior art tailgate in a horizontal position;

FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of a cutaway side view of a truckalong the centerline of the truck employing a prior art tailgate in ahorizontal position;

FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of a cutaway side view of a truckalong the centerline of the truck employing a prior art tailgate in anupright position;

FIG. 9 illustrates a line diagram of rotation points and paths accordingto an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of a cutaway side view of a truckalong the centerline of the truck employing an embodiment of theinventive tailgate in an upright position;

FIG. 11 illustrates a block diagram of a cutaway side view of a truckemploying an embodiment of the inventive tailgate in an uprightposition;

FIG. 12 illustrates a block diagram of a side view of an embodiment ofthe inventive tailgate in an upright position;

FIG. 13 illustrates a block diagram of a side view of an embodiment ofthe inventive tailgate in a horizontal position;

FIG. 14 illustrates a block diagram of a side view of an embodiment ofthe inventive tailgate in a horizontal position;

FIG. 15 illustrates a block diagram of a side view of an embodiment ofthe inventive tailgate in a horizontal position;

FIG. 16 illustrates a block diagram of a thrust bearing according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 17 illustrates a block diagram of a side view of an embodiment ofthe inventive tailgate in a horizontal position;

FIG. 18 illustrates a block diagram of an overhead view of an embodimentof the inventive tailgate in a horizontal position;

FIG. 19 illustrates a block diagram of an overhead view of an embodimentof the inventive tailgate in a vertical position and a truck bed;

FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective view of the passenger side of anembodiment of the inventive tailgate in a horizontal position and atruck bed;

FIG. 21 illustrates a perspective view of the rear and passenger sideportions of a truck bed and an embodiment of the inventive tailgate in avertical position;

FIG. 22 illustrates a perspective view of the rear and passenger sideportions of a truck bed and an embodiment of the inventive tailgate in ahorizontal position;

FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view of the rear portions of a truckbed and an embodiment of the inventive tailgate in a horizontalposition.

FIG. 24 illustrates a perspective view of the rear portions of a truckbed and an embodiment of the inventive tailgate in a vertical position;

FIG. 25 illustrates a perspective view of the passenger side of anembodiment of the inventive tailgate in a horizontal position and atruck bed;

FIG. 26 illustrates an overhead perspective view of an embodiment of theinventive tailgate in a horizontal position and a truck bed;

FIG. 27 illustrates an overhead perspective view of an embodiment of theinventive tailgate in a horizontal position and a truck bed;

FIG. 28 illustrates a perspective view of the rear and passenger sideportions of a truck bed and an embodiment of the inventive tailgate in ahorizontal position;

FIG. 29 illustrates a perspective view of the rear and passenger sideportions of a truck bed and an embodiment of the inventive tailgate in avertical position; and

FIG. 30 illustrates a block diagram of a thrust bearing according to anembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The various embodiments are now described with reference to thedrawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to likeelements throughout. In the following description, for purposes ofexplanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea thorough understanding of the various embodiments. It may be evident,however, that the various embodiments can be practiced without thesespecific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devicesare shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing thevarious embodiments.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 8, an existing version of tailgate isshown in both perspective drawings and block diagrams.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a pickup truck 100 having atailgate 102 deployed in a closed position (which also may be referredto as an upright or substantially vertical position). Tailgate 102 istypically attached in a rotatable manner at the rear of truck 100 andhas an attached edge 104 that is the bottom edge when the tailgate isclosed. Edge 104 is in close proximity to the rear end of the truck'sbed 110. Edge 104 may be attached to the truck's bed 110 or to sidewalls112 and 114. Typically, edge 104 will be attached to bed 110 using pianohinges or the like, or edge 104 will be attached to sidewalls 112 and114 using hinges at the corners that often allow for removal of tailgate102. Vertical edges 106 and 108 of tailgate 102 are in close proximityto sidewalls 112 and 114, respectively, when the tailgate 102 is in aclosed position. However, vertical edges 106 and 108 are not typicallysealed to sidewalls 112 and 114 with rubber, gaskets, or the like, butinstead are often spaced a small distance from the sidewalls. Thisarrangement may allow particulate or granular matter to enter or exitthe truck bed through the gaps adjacent to any of edges 104, 106, and108. In a pickup truck, top edge 109 is typically arranged such that itis flush with the tops of sidewalls 112 and 114 when the tailgate is ina closed position.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a typical pickup truck has two rearwheels 190 (only one shown) and two front wheels 192 (only one shown).The box of the truck comprises the bed 110, sidewalls 112 and 114, thefront wall 116 that is adjacent to a cab 180, and the tailgate 102opposite wall 116 and at the rear of the truck 100. The cab 180 containsthe passenger and driving control areas. Two or more doors 182 (only oneshown) allow passenger and driver access to the cab 180.

Referring to FIG. 2, a pickup truck 100 is illustrated with the tailgate102 in an open position (which also may be referred to as a lowered orsubstantially horizontal position). The upper side of tailgate 102 is atsubstantially the same height above the ground as the bed 110, and theupper side of tailgate 102 is substantially parallel to the bed 110. Thefour edges 104, 106, 108, and 109 are all at substantially the sameheight above the ground and form a substantially rectangular shape thatis substantially parallel to the bed 110. In some versions, restrainingdevices (not shown) such as chains, cables, or other mechanisms attachthe upper portion of sidewalls 112 and 114 to the tailgate 102 at ornear the corners. The upper portion of sidewall 112 may be attached to arestraining device that is also attached to the corner of tailgate 102formed by edges 106 and 109. And the upper portion of sidewall 114 maybe attached to a restraining device that is also attached to the cornerof tailgate 102 formed by edges 108 and 109. Such restraining devicesmay be used to provide support to the tailgate to prevent edge 109 fromsagging or being otherwise deformed such that it may be closer to theground than edge 104. While such restraining devices may be used withthe inventions described further herein, they may not be necessary dueto features of certain embodiments of the invention that prevent saggingwithout restraints. As illustrated, edge 104 remains closely adjacent tothe rear edge of bed 110 when the tailgate 102 is in an open position.

When deployed as shown in FIG. 2 in a typical pickup truck 100, tailgate102 is likely to be at a height between 26 and 36 inches above groundlevel. Such a height is above the height that a typical human can step.The inventive tailgate provides for a reduction in the height of an opentailgate such that it more easily permits a human to step or climb onthe tailgate.

FIG. 3 provides a cutaway block diagram of the passenger (right) side ofthe box of a pickup truck 100 with the tailgate 102 in a closedposition. Zig-zag line 370 indicates that the right-most (i.e., forward)portion of the truck has been omitted to simplify the image. The uppersurface of the bed 110 is indicated with a dashed line. As shown in FIG.3, edge 109 is substantially directly above edge 104 when the tailgate102 is closed. The block diagram of FIG. 3 corresponds closely to theperspective image of FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 4, the block diagram shows tailgate 102 pivoted to anopen/horizontal position. In this position, edge 104 remains closelyadjacent to the rear edge of bed 110. Edge 109 has pivoted away from thetruck 100 such that edge 109 is at substantially the same height abovethe ground as is edge 104. The block diagram of FIG. 4 correspondsclosely to the perspective image of FIG. 2.

FIGS. 5 and 6 provide block diagrams of a device that some have used toattempt to overcome the problems posed in climbing onto the tailgate 102or bed 110. Such devices include structures that may be unfolded from orattached to tailgate 102. Support structure 588 is a substantiallyvertical structure attached to and extending below tailgate 102. Step686 is a substantially horizontal structure that may serve as a stepbetween the ground level and the height of tailgate 102. As shown, step686 may be folded into structure 585, and the structure 585 may befolded or inserted into a depression or cavity in tailgate 102.Alternatively, structure 585 and step 686 may be detached from tailgate102 when not in use. Such steps 686 are intended to solve the problem ofstepping onto tailgate 102 but are themselves problematic due to theadditional complexity of the structure and the inherently less-stablenature of a step that is smaller than the entirety of the tailgate 102.Such steps 686 may also prove problematic if inundated with particulateor granular matter and prevented from fully opening, closing, orattaching based on such matter.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show cutaway block diagrams of a cross section of the boxof a pickup truck taken at or near the midpoint of the bed along avertical plane that is parallel to the primary direction of travel ofthe truck 100. Because the diagrams are at the midpoint, sidewall 114and wheel 190 are indicated with dashed lines while bed 110 and gate 102are indicated with solid lines. As indicated, edge 104 is substantiallyadjacent to the rear edge of bed 110 when tailgate 102 is in an openposition. And edge 109 arcs between a closed position in which edge 109is substantially vertically above edge 104 and an open position in whichedge 109 is disposed substantially horizontal to and rearward (withrespect to the primary direction of travel of truck 100) to edge 104.Arc 772 illustrates the path taken by edge 109 when the tailgate 102 isrotated about a hinge at edge 104 between open/horizontal andclosed/vertical positions.

FIG. 9 represents a cartesian graph having the same orientation as theblock diagram of FIGS. 10 and 11. The notation U represents the top of atailgate. The notation G represents the ground below a truck. Thenotation T represents that point at which the bottom edge of a closedgate (such as tailgate 102) touches the rear edge of the bed (such asbed 110) of the truck 100. The line segment TD represents the uppersurface of the bed 110. The line segment TA is disposed at a 45-degreeangle from TD and a 45 degree angle from line segment TG.

Points 902, 904, 906, 908 represent approximations of potential pivotpoints for an inventive tailgate. Arcs 903, 905, 907, 909 represent arcsof circles corresponding to points 902, 904, 906, 908. Notably, forpurposes of clarity in FIG. 9 and to reduce overlapping portions, arcs903, 905, 907, 909 are not drawn as perfect arcs, but instead areintended to represent arcs. Rotation of the portion of a tailgate thatcontacts the edge of the bed by ninety degrees from closed/verticalposition to open/horizontal position may be represented by these pointsand arcs.

Point 906 falls on line segment TA. Assume a rotation of ninety degreesfrom vertical to horizontal. A ninety-degree arc drawn around rotationpoint 906 with a radius equal in length to the distance between T andpoint 906 is represented by arc 907. One end of arc 907 is at point Tand the opposite end falls on the line segment TG based on the positionof rotation point 906, indicating that the lower portion of the tailgatewill end directly beneath the edge of the bed.

Point 904 also falls on line segment TA, between point 906 and T. Aninety-degree arc drawn around rotation point 904 with a radius equal inlength to the distance between T and point 904 is represented by arc905. The end points of this arc are similar to those of the arc drawnaround point 906. The upper endpoint is point T. The lower endpoint ison the line segment TA.

A point 902 is placed in the area bounded by line segments TD, TA, andAD (not shown). A ninety-degree arc 903 drawn about point 902 withradius equal to the distance between T and 902 will have a startingpoint at T and an endpoint in the area bounded by TG, TA, and AG (notshown). With this endpoint, it is apparent that the lower portion of thetailgate will be between the ground G and the bed (labeled TD) and willbe forward of point T with respect to the ordinary direction of travelof truck 100.

Point 908 is placed in the area bounded by line segments TG, TA, and AG(not shown). A ninety-degree arc 909 drawn about point 908 with radiusequal to the distance between T and 908 will have a starting point at Tand an endpoint to the left of line segment UG, or aft of the edge ofthe bed with respect to the primary direction of travel of the truck100.

These rotation points and the corresponding arcs inform the placement ofthe bearings or hinges on which the inventive tailgate rotates. Withrespect to point 903, while it may be desirable for the edge of theopened tailgate to be slightly under the edge of the truck bed TD, ifpoint 903 is moved to far (for example to the right), then the rotatingtailgate may interfere with or be interfered with by other parts of thetruck 100. Similarly, while rotation about point 908 moves the tailgateinto a position that would be more likely to avoid interference orproblems, if the position is moved too far, such move might negate theusefulness of certain features of the inventive tailgate, depending onthe embodiment to be used. In the preferred embodiments of the inventionas used in a pickup truck, it is preferable to place the rotation pointapproximately six inches forward of the rear edge (line segment UG) ofthe bed and approximately six inches below the top of the bed (linesegment TD), by using lever arms outside of the bed and preferablyisolated from the wheel wells. This rotation point would be along linesegment TA, and would result in the top of the tailgate beingapproximately one foot lower than the top of the bed when the tailgateis in the open/horizontal position.

FIGS. 10-15 are a series of block diagrams of preferred embodiments ofthe inventive tailgate, all from same viewing perspective as FIGS. 3-8.

FIG. 10 corresponds closely with FIG. 8 and shows a cutaway blockdiagram of a cross section of the box of a pickup truck taken at or nearthe midpoint of the bed along a vertical plane that is parallel to theprimary direction of travel of the truck 100. Tailgate 1002 has a topedge 1009 and a lever arm 1003 that may also serve as an additional sealor may be fitted with a seal beneath the truck bed if the lever arm 1003is extended across the width of the bed such that it is in proximity tothe lower side of the bed 1010 when the tailgate 1002 is in theclosed/vertical position as in this FIG. Such a feature may be used toreduce the loss of particulate or granular matter being transported inthe truck and may also serve to reduce the loss of granular matter underthe truck when opened and the truck is being loaded or unloaded over thetailgate. When the tailgate 1002 is open/horizontal, the portion oflever arm 1003 that extends across the bed can serve similar to a stairriser insofar as it may help to prevent a human foot from slipping intothe gap between the bottom of the bed 1010 and the tailgate 1002, andmay also serve to reduce the loss of granular or particulate matter thatmay otherwise spill into the gap between the bottom of the bed 1010 andthe tailgate 1002 and drop beneath the truck. Point 1095 represents theforemost portion of the lever arm and the approximate location of theaxis of rotation of tailgate 1002, although it will be recognized bythose of skill in the art that the axis of rotation preferably not onthe edge of the lever arm.

FIG. 11 corresponds closely with FIG. 3 and shows a portion of the truck100 that is closer to the viewer to illustrate the preferred lever armmore fully. This view may correspond to FIG. 21 wherein lever arm 1003is visible from outside the truck while the gate 1002 is closed or FIG.29 wherein lever arm 1003 is largely blocked from view from outside thetruck while the gate 1002 is closed. As shown in FIG. 11, lever arm1003, which is preferably a metal similar to the metal used forformation of the tailgate 1002, has a trapezoidal shape that extendsroughly from point 1095 to point 1099, and from each of those points totailgate 1002. Lever arm 1003 and tailgate 1002 may be rotated about apoint at or near point 1095. Lever arm 1003 is arranged substantiallyperpendicularly to tailgate 1002 and attached together so as to provideadditional resistances to stress, deformation, and the forces that mayotherwise tend to distort the shape of tailgate 1002. For this reason,it preferable to deploy tailgate 1002 and lever arm 1003 without the useof the restraining devices used in the prior art tailgates to preventsagging or deformation. Use of tailgate 1002 without such restrainingdevices can decrease mechanical complexity and potential failure pointswhile also increasing the ability to work in and around tailgate 1002without interference by such restraining devices.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are block diagrams that focus more fully upon apreferred embodiment of the inventive tailgate 1002, wherein the cargobox of the truck including sidewall 114 is partially shown using dashedlines. As illustrated, tailgate 1002 may be configured to rotate aboutthrust bearings 1096 that are attached to lever arm 1003 in a positionthat is below the lower side 1010 of the truck bed. Such attachmentposition will permit rotation of the tailgate 1002 in the mannerdescribed with respect to FIG. 9. In FIG. 12, tailgate 1002 is depictedin a closed/vertical position. In FIG. 13, the same tailgate 1002 isdepicted in an open/horizontal position, and dashed lines on tailgate1002 and lever arm 1003 show the difference in profile of themid-section of the tailgate 1002 as opposed to the ends of the tailgatewhere the lever arm 1003 is more substantial.

FIG. 14 depicts a preferred embodiment of the invention that is verysimilar to that shown in FIG. 13, but with the addition of a trailerhitch. The trailer hitch is depicted as ball 1420, ball mount 1430, andreceiver 1440. These parts are arranged in such a manner that when thetailgate 1002 is in the open/horizontal position, the top of ball 1420is in contact with tailgate 1002 so as to provide additional support totailgate 1002 against sagging or deformation. It is recognized that suchmetal to metal contact may result in damage to the paint of tailgate1002. Thus, it may be desirable to provide a bumper or other protectivedevice on tailgate 1002 so that damage from contacting ball 1420 may beminimized, while still gaining the advantage of the extra supportprovided by ball 1420.

FIG. 15 depicts yet another preferred embodiment of the invention thatis very similar to that shown in FIG. 13, but with the addition of arudimentary bumper. The bumper 1550 is arranged so as to be in contactwith the lower side of tailgate 1002 when tailgate 1002 is deployed inan open/horizontal position. As with the embodiment described withrespect to FIG. 14, it is expected that contact between bumper 1550 andtailgate 1002 may cause damage if a protective device is not present.Thus it may be desirable to provide a protective device between bumper1550 and tailgate 1002. One of ordinary skill will recognize that theconfiguration of the tailgate 1002 may result in blockage or scrapingagainst bumper 1550 at the point marked 1560. Thus, if the embodimentdepicted in FIG. 15 is deployed, it may be desirable or necessary toprovide a beveled, radiused, or similarly modified tailgate that willeliminate contact that would otherwise occur at point 1560 duringrotation of tailgate 1002.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a thrust bearing 1600 suitable for use asthrust bearing 1096 in the inventive tailgate 1002. Substantiallyconical portion 1610 may be attached to the tailgate 1002. Substantiallyconical receiver 1620 may be attached to the truck frame, body, or othersuitable mounting point. Rotation axis 1630 is represented by a dashedline. Axis 1630 is substantially perpendicular to the primary directionof travel of the truck and substantially parallel to the rear edge ofthe truck bed and flat ground. Axis 1630 is also substantiallyperpendicular to a vertical axis when in use. Thrust bearing 1600 mayinclude balls or rollers between portion 1610 and receiver 1620. Athrust bearing is desirable for the inventive tailgate 1002 because itwill allow particulate and/or granular debris to fall out rather thanbecoming trapped within the bearing. It is preferable that the thrustbearing have an approximately fifteen degree horizontal taper.

FIG. 17 depicts a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of theinventive tailgate 1002 in which a pop-up mini-deck 1718 is housedwithin a recessed portion 1720 of tailgate 1002. Mini-deck 1718 may beoptionally raised to approximate the height of the truck bed 110 so thatwhen the tailgate 1002 is in the open/horizontal position, the mini-deck1718 functionally serves as an extension of the truck bed 110 forpurposes of supporting cargo that is longer than the bed 110 of thetruck 100, for example, pipes, lumber, or other lengthy cargo. Mini-deck1718 may be optionally configured so that it can be deployed when thetailgate 1002 is in the closed/vertical position, so that mini-deck 1718may serve to reduce the length of the bed 110 to put pressure on cargowhen a small amount of such pressure may help to secure the cargo.

Mini-deck 1718 may be sealed at its edges with a gasket or otherappropriate seal to prevent excess debris or particulate matter fromentering recess 1720 when the mini-deck is not raised. Mini-deck 1718may be raised and supported by a dual scissor support 1730, 1740. Thebeams 1730 and 1740 of the scissor support may be attached to thetailgate 1002 at points 1702 and 1708, and attached to the mini-deck1718 at points 1706 and 1704. The beams 1730 and 1740 may be attachedtogether at point 1710. As one of skill will recognize, FIG. 17illustrates one side of the tailgate 1002 and mini-deck 1718. As such, amirror-image structure corresponding to scissor support 1730, 1740 ispreferably attached to the opposite side of tailgate 1002 and mini-deck1718. It is also preferable that some or all of points 1702, 1704, 1706,1708, 1710 are attached to a sturdy axle (not shown) that extends fromthe near side of mini-deck 1718 to the far side of mini-deck 1718 andthat the axle attaches to corresponding point 1702, 1704, 1706, 1708,1710 on the opposite end of mini-deck 1718. Such axle(s) greatlyincrease the probability that the near and far scissor structuresoperate in a coordinated manner and prevent the mini-deck 1718 fromtilting forward or backward while raised above the tailgate 1002. Eachof attachments 1702, 1704, 1706, 1708, 1710 may be made with a bearingor other suitable attachment that allows for rotation about an axis. Forexample, points 1702, 1704, 1706, 1708 are preferably attached inraceways using shoes to constrain the ends of the beams 1730 and 1740 tothe raceways while permitting movement therein. Such attachments willreduce shearing movement against the gate surface during cargo loadingand unloading. Beams 1730 and 1740 may optionally be attached togetherby a dampener 1712 that is depicted as a line to avoid complicating theFIG., but which may be a hydraulic or other suitable dampener. A tensionspring (not shown) may attach beams 1730 and 1740 together at or nearpoints 1702 and 1708, to provide mechanical assistance with raising orlowering mini-deck 1718 from and into recess 1720. Alternatively thelocations of spring (not shown) and dampener 1712 may be reversed.Alternatively, if the mini-deck 1718 is constructed such that it mayrise to a height of approximately 12 inches above the deck, it may bedesirable to use compressive springs (not shown) located between thetailgate 1002 and mini-deck 1718 in place of the tension spring. Due tothe presence of the spring, it might be necessary for a person to standon the mini-deck to compress it into recess 1720 for stowage.Alternatively, a mechanical crank or other suitable mechanism (notshown) may be provided for compressing mini-deck 1718 into recess 1720for stowage without relying upon the weight of a person.

Mini-deck 1718 may be locked into place with a key or other suitablelocking mechanism (not shown). Mini-deck 1718 may be released by adedicated handle (not shown) or other suitable release mechanism. It isfurther desirable to provide a mechanism to secure the mini-deck 1718 ina stable position when raised. This may be accomplished in many ways.One such method of securing the mini-deck 1718 in the raised positionmay be the use of an adjustable hinged pipe with a spring-loaded ball(not shown) attached to the pipe. The ball may be seated in a recess inthe bottom of the mini-deck 1718, preferably near the middle, such thatit depresses minimally when laden.

FIG. 18 depicts an overhead block view of an embodiment of tailgate 1002in an open/horizontal position. This embodiment incorporates bothmini-deck 1718 and a hinged embedded support rack indicated by beams1810, 1820, 1830. Beam 1810 may be rotatably attached to tailgate 1002at point 1802. Beam 1820 may be rotatably attached to tailgate 1002 atpoint 1804. Beam 1830 may be attached at its ends to beams 1810 and1820, with the attachment at the ends opposite points 1802 and 1804. Ifthe rack is suitably stiff, rotation about points 1804 and 1802 willallow beam 1830 to raise above the level of the tailgate 1002 to providea support rack for lengthy cargo. It is preferable that both beams 1810and 1820 rotate about an axis that passes through points 1802 and 1804.If beams 1810 and 1820 are permitted to rotate approximately 135 degreesfrom their resting position, then beam 1830 may be disposed atapproximately the height of the bed 110 and at a point that extendsbeyond edge 1009 of the tailgate 1002, to allow for support for verylengthy items that extend beyond mini-deck 1718. The exact angle atwhich rotation of beams 1810 and 1820 should be stopped is dependent onthe length of beams 1810 and 1820 and the height of the bed 110 abovethe tailgate 1002. In some embodiments, a mechanical clamp or othersuitable tightening or locking device may be provided at one or both ofpoints 1802 and 1804 to permit locking the rack at different angles.Such device may include holes and a pin for locking or it may include alever to tighten a clamp or other suitable mechanisms.

In a preferred embodiment, beams 1810, 1820, and 1830 are stowed in arecess in tailgate 1002 when not deployed, to avoid interference withother uses. It is also preferable to include one or more locks orlatches to secure beam 1830 to tailgate 1002 when not deployed as arack. Beam 1830 may incorporate guard grooves to align long thin cargoesand may further incorporate tie-down anchors for securing loads.

FIG. 19 depicts an overhead view of block diagram of an embodiment ofthe inventive tailgate 1002 as attached to the cargo box of a pickuptruck 100. In this FIG., tailgate 1002 is in a closed/vertical position.Tailgate 1002 preferably extends across the entire width of bed 110 andlever arms 1003 are attached beyond part or all of sidewalls 114 and112. Lever arms 1003 may be sealed with a gasket or other suitable sealalong all three mating edges of gate 1002 to reduce loss of particulateor granular loads such as sand, sawdust, fertilizer, or the like.

FIG. 20 depicts a perspective view of the passenger side of pickup truck100 that is constructed with an embodiment of the inventive tailgate1002. In this depiction, tailgate 1002 is in an open/horizontalposition. It can be seen that rotation about thrust bearing 1096 resultsin the lower edge of the tailgate being below and forward (relative tothe primary direction of travel of the truck) of the rearmost edge ofbed 110. In this depiction, lever arms 1003 are constructed with asignificant body to reduce deformation of tailgate 1002.

FIG. 21 depicts a perspective view of the rear and passenger side of apickup truck cargo box constructed with an embodiment of the inventivetailgate. In this depiction, a platform 2110 is provided for supportingtailgate 1002 when tailgate 1002 is in the open/horizontal position.Platform 2110 reduces the deformation and strain on tailgate 1002 whenweight is placed on tailgate 1002 in the open/horizontal position. Ascan be seen, in this embodiment, the lower edge of tailgate 1002 ishigher than the lower edges of lever arms 1003 to allow for clearancewhen rotating between open and closed positions. Notably, platform 2110is depicted as a small platform, possibly comprising a trailer hitchreceiver in the middle of bed 110. However, platform 2110 may be ofvarious widths, and may extend across the width of bed 110 and beincorporated into a bumper or other suitable structure.

FIG. 22 depicts the same view as FIG. 21, with the exception that thetailgate 1002 is depicted in an open/horizontal position. In FIG. 22, adashed line represents the lower edge of tailgate 1002 and shows that itis in contact with supporting platform 2110. A protective bumper orother suitable device may be provided on platform 2110 to reducescratching of tailgate 1002.

FIG. 23 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 21and 22 with the tailgate 1002 disposed in an open/horizontal position.As can be seen, tailgate 1002 is substantially closer to the groundlevel than the top of bed 110.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view from the same angle as FIG. 23, exceptthat in FIG. 24, the tailgate 1002 is disposed in a closed/verticalposition. In FIG. 24, the position of the open tailgate 1002 is depictedwith dashed lines.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view from the same angle as FIG. 20. In FIG.25, a support rack 1810, 1820, 1830 is depicted in a deployed positionwherein it is at an angle of approximately 135 degrees from the rack'sangle of rest in the tailgate 1002. Lengthy cargo 2501 is depicted usinga dot-dot-dash line. Cargo 2501 extends from near the front wall 116 tobeyond the length of the tailgate 1002 and even beyond rack 1810, 1820,1830.

FIG. 26 provides an overhead perspective view of a cargo box employingan embodiment of the inventive tailgate 1002 in which a rack 2661 takesthe form of a plate that may be hinged from the tailgate 1002. Tailgate1002 is depicted in the open/horizontal position. Lengthy items 2651,2652, 2653, and 2654 (denoted with dot-dot-dash lines) may be rested onthe bed 110 and the edge 2664 of the rack 2661. The rack may alsoinclude guide features 2662, 2663 that allow for placement of suchlengthy items in a more secure manner. As illustrated, items 2651 and2652 are placed in guide feature 2662. Also as illustrated, item 2654 isplaced in guide feature 2663. When rack 2661 is deployed, it ispreferable that the height of edge 2664 above the ground beapproximately the same as the height of bed 110 to reduce stress on theitems being supported by the rack. While the guide features in FIG. 26are illustrated as concave features 2662, 2663, one of ordinary skillwill appreciate that such guide features may take many forms toaccommodate various types of cargo. In one embodiment, it is possible tohave an interchangeable set of guide features that may be attached to orremoved from edge 2664 as desired. For example, a guide feature havingsmall arcuate resting positions may be used for small diameter pipes,while a guide feature having large arcuate resting positions may be usedfor large diameter pipes, and a guide feature having rectangular cutoutsmay be used for lumber such as 2×4 boards. Tie downs (not illustrated)may also be present on rack 2661.

FIG. 27 provides the same perspective as FIG. 26, except that in FIG. 27the rack 2661 is not deployed. Rack 2661 is depicted as folded closedagainst tailgate 1002. Rack 2661 may lay flush against the top oftailgate 1002, or rack 2661 may fit into a recess (not shown) intailgate 1002. It is preferable to provide an attachment mechanismwhereby rack 2661 may be secured to tailgate 1002 when not deployed.Further, the perimeter of rack 2661 may be sealed using an appropriatesealing mechanism to prevent the intrusion of particulate or granularmatter between rack 2661 and tailgate 1002 while the rack 2661 is not inuse.

FIG. 28 depicts the same view as FIG. 22 and shows rack 2661 deployedand supporting cargo items 2851 and 2852. Cargo items 2851 and 2852 aredepicted using dot-dot-dash lines. Cargo items 2851 and 2852 may rest onbed 110 and edge 2664 of rack 2661 when tailgate 1002 is open/horizontaland rack 2661 is deployed for use.

FIG. 29 depicts the same view as FIG. 21 and presents an alternativeembodiment wherein, when tailgate 1002 is in the closed/verticalposition, lever arm 1003 rests between sidewall 114 and sidewallprotrusion 2914 on the passenger/right side and between sidewall 112 andsidewall protrusion 2912 on the driver/left side of the truck 100. Thealternative embodiment may be used for both aesthetic and aerodynamicpurposes rather than the embodiment shown in FIG. 21.

FIG. 30 provides another block diagram of a thrust bearing 1600 suitablefor use as thrust bearing 1096 in the inventive tailgate 1002, from anoverhead perspective. In a reverse of the installation depicted in FIG.16, in FIG. 30 conical portion 1610 is depicted as attached to a trucksidewall 114 and substantially conical portion 1620 is depicted asattached to lever arm 1003 of tailgate 1002. The entire assembly isenclosed between a wheel fairing, e.g., protrusion 2914 and sidewall114. Arrow A is depicted above axis 1630 showing particles (depicted ascircles) entering the thrust bearing 1600 between 1610 and 1620. Arrow Bis depicted below axis 1630 showing that particles (depicted as circles)later exit the bearing 1600 due to gravitational forces and rotationalforces. In this manner, the use of a thrust bearing 1600 permitscontinued operation of the tailgate 1002 with reduced possibility ofclogging the bearing.

The above description of embodiments of the invention has been presentedfor the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended tobe exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form described,and many modifications and variations are possible in light of theteaching above. The embodiments were chosen and described in order tobest explain the principles of the invention and its practicalapplications to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilizethe invention in various embodiments and with various modifications asare suited to the particular use contemplated. Thus, it will beappreciated that the invention is intended to cover all modificationsand equivalents within the scope of the following claims.

What has been described above includes examples of the implementationsof the present invention. It is, of course, not possible to describeevery conceivable combination of components or methods for purposes ofdescribing the claimed subject matter, but many further combinations andpermutations of the subject embodiments are possible. Accordingly, theclaimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations,modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims. Moreover, the above description of illustratedimplementations of this disclosure, including what is described in theAbstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosedimplementations to the precise forms disclosed. While specificimplementations and examples are described herein for illustrativepurposes, various modifications are possible that are considered withinthe scope of such implementations and examples, as those skilled in therelevant art can recognize.

In particular and in regard to the various functions performed by theabove described components, devices, systems and the like, the termsused to describe such components are intended to correspond, unlessotherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specifiedfunction of the described component (e.g., a functional equivalent),even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure,which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary aspectsof the claimed subject matter. In this regard, it will also berecognized that the various embodiments include a system as well as thevarious methods of the claimed subject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tail gate for use with a vehicle having a bed,a front end, and a rear end, comprising: an assembly that may be rotatedabout a substantially horizontal axis from a substantially verticalfirst position to a substantially horizontal second position, theassembly comprising: a gate portion having a surface substantiallydisposed along a first plane when the assembly is in the first position,wherein the first plane is substantially perpendicular to a first axis,the first axis extending parallel to the bed and from a front center ofthe vehicle to a rear center of the vehicle; a seal portion attached tothe gate portion in proximity to a bottom edge of the gate portion, theseal portion substantially disposed along a second plane parallel to thebed of the vehicle and perpendicular to the first plane when the sealportion is in the first position, the seal portion having a longdimension that is approximately the same as the width of the bed;wherein the seal portion is disposed below a height of the bed and a topedge of the seal portion is arranged in close proximity to the bottom ofthe bed when the assembly is in the first position; a first pivotstructure and a second pivot structure, the first pivot structurelocated near a first end of the gate portion and mechanically connectedto a first end of the gate portion, the second pivot structure locatednear a second end of the gate portion and mechanically connected to thesecond end of the gate portion, the first end located opposite thesecond end; the first pivot structure and the second pivot structurepositioned to allow rotation of the assembly about the substantiallyhorizontal axis, the substantially horizontal axis located below the bedand between the first plane and the front end; wherein, when theassembly is in the first position, the gate portion substantially closesthe rear end of the bed; and wherein, when the assembly is in the secondposition, the surface of gate portion is substantially parallel to thebed and below a top level of the bed, and the seal portion issubstantially perpendicular to the bed.
 2. The tail gate of claim 1,further comprising: a support rack embedded within the surface of thegate portion, the support rack pivotally attached to the gate portion,such that when the assembly is in the second position, the support rackmay be pivoted from within the surface of the gate portion to an uprightposition, to provide a support for items laid in the bed and extendingbeyond the edge of the bed.
 3. The tail gate of claim 1, furthercomprising: a pop-up mini gate embedded within the surface of the gateportion and extendable in a direction substantially perpendicular to thesurface so as to be arranged at a height that is substantially alignedwith the top level of the bed when the assembly is in the secondposition and the mini gate is extended.
 4. The tail gate of claim 3,further comprising: a support rack embedded within the surface of thegate portion, the support rack pivotally attached to the gate portion,such that when the assembly is in the second position, the support rackmay be pivoted from within the surface of the gate portion to an uprightposition; the support rack arranged about the perimeter of the mini gatewhen both are positioned within the surface of the gate portion.
 5. Thetail gate of claim 1, wherein: the first pivot structure and the secondpivot structure are not substantially exposed to solid materials whensuch materials are in the bed.
 6. The tail gate of claim 1, furthercomprising: a seal to close gaps between the assembly and the bed toreduce spillage of particulate materials when such materials are in thebed.
 7. The tail gate of claim 1, wherein: the vehicle comprises a wheelwell for a rear wheel, and a side wall extending upward from the surfaceof the bed, the side wall arranged substantially perpendicular to thesurface of the bed and substantially perpendicular to the first plane,the side wall arranged in proximity to the wheel well; and the firstpivot structure is disposed within a compartment between the sidewalland the wheel well; the first pivot structure comprising a thrustbearing.
 8. The tail gate of claim 7, wherein: when the assembly is inthe first position, the compartment is substantially closed; and whenthe assembly is in the second position, the compartment may be accessedfor cleaning or lubrication.
 9. The tail gate of claim 1, wherein: thevehicle has a removable, centered, high ball trailer hitch; and the highball trailer hitch is positioned to support a bottom surface of the gateportion when the assembly is in the second position.
 10. The tail gateof claim 1, further comprising: a tongue and groove alignment structuredisposed at an edge of the gate portion, the alignment structureconfigured to contact a frame of the vehicle below the bed, thealignment structure for reducing lateral deformation of the gate portionwhen the assembly is in the second position.
 11. A pivoting device foruse in a vehicle comprising a bed with a top surface arrangedsubstantially perpendicular to a first axis, the first axis extending inthe direction of gravity, the bed having a substantially horizontalfirst bed edge located at the rear of a vehicle, the first bed edgebeing substantially linear, the pivoting device comprising: a gatehaving a first substantially rectangular outline and a gate widthapproximately equal to the length of the first bed edge, the gate havinga lower gate edge extending substantially parallel to the first bededge, the lower gate edge approximately the same length of the first bededge; a seal portion having a second substantially rectangular outline,the seal portion having a first seal edge, the first seal edgeapproximately the same length as the lower gate edge, the first sealedge attached along its length to the lower gate edge such that the endsof the first seal edge are in close proximity to the respective ends ofthe lower gate edge, the second substantially rectangular outlinedisposed substantially perpendicular to the first substantiallyrectangular outline; first and second pivoting structures arranged topivot about a single pivot axis substantially parallel to the first bededge, the lower gate edge, and the first seal edge, the first and secondpivoting structures mechanically attached to the gate; the pivot axisdisposed lower than the top surface of the bed and forward of the firstbed edge with respect to a primary direction of travel of the vehicle,such that the gate and seal portion may be rotated about the pivot axisbetween (a) a first position in which the first substantiallyrectangular outline is substantially perpendicular to the top surfaceand substantially parallel to the first axis, and (b) a second positionin which the first substantially rectangular outline is substantiallyparallel to the top surface of the bed; and wherein, when disposed inthe second position, a top surface of the gate is lower than the topsurface of the bed, such that the top surface of the gate may be used asan intermediate step between a surface on which the vehicle is disposedand the top surface of the bed.
 12. The device of claim 11 wherein: whendisposed in the second position, the lower gate edge is (a) below thefirst bed edge and (b) forward or aft of the first bed edge with respectto the primary direction of travel of the vehicle.
 13. The device ofclaim 11, further comprising: a support rack embedded within the topsurface of the gate, the support rack pivotally attached to the gate,such that when the gate is in the second position, the support rack maybe pivoted from within the top surface of the gate to an uprightposition, to provide a support for items laid in the bed and extendingbeyond the edge of the bed.
 14. The device of claim 11, furthercomprising: a pop-up mini gate embedded within the top surface of thegate and extendable in a direction substantially perpendicular to thetop surface of the gate so as to be arranged at a height that issubstantially aligned with the top surface of the bed when the gate isin the second position and the mini gate is extended.
 15. The device ofclaim 14, further comprising: a support rack embedded within the topsurface of the gate, the support rack pivotally attached to the gate,such that when the gate is in the second position, the support rack maybe pivoted from within the top surface of the gate to an uprightposition; the support rack arranged about the perimeter of the mini gatewhen both are positioned within the surface of the gate position. 16.The device of claim 11, wherein: the first pivoting structure and thesecond pivoting structure are not substantially exposed to solidmaterials when such materials are in the bed.
 17. The device of claim11, further comprising: a seal to close gaps between the gate and thebed to reduce spillage of particulate materials when such materials arein the bed.
 18. The device of claim 11, wherein: the vehicle comprises awheel well for a rear wheel, and a side wall extending upward from thetop surface of the bed, the side wall arranged substantiallyperpendicular to the top surface of the bed and substantiallyperpendicular to the gate, the side wall arranged in proximity to thewheel well; and the first pivoting structure is disposed within acompartment between the sidewall and the wheel well; the first pivotingstructure comprises a thrust bearing.
 19. The device of claim 18,wherein: when the gate is in the first position, the compartment issubstantially closed; and when the gate is in the second position, thecompartment may be accessed for cleaning or lubrication.
 20. The deviceof claim 11, wherein: the vehicle has a removable, centered, high balltrailer hitch; and the high ball trailer hitch is positioned to supporta bottom surface of the gate when the gate is in the second position.